A prominent ally of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has issued a stark prediction concerning the political future of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. Abdul-Aziz Abubakar Na'ibi, a staunch supporter of Atiku, has mocked Wike's current political standing and projected that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration will soon declare that the minister has no place in President Bola Tinubu's cabinet.
Wike's Political Homelessness Declared
In a recent post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Na'ibi launched a scathing critique of the FCT minister's political manoeuvring. He asserted that President Tinubu used Wike to destabilise the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the platform that originally elevated Wike to national prominence. According to Na'ibi, the calculus has now shifted, with the powers that be choosing to side with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, over Wike.
Na'ibi's projection was unequivocal: "Wike has no place in the APC. Wike has no place in the PDP. Wike has no place in the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Soon, they will declare that he has no place in Tinubu's cabinet." This statement underscores the perceived precariousness of Wike's cross-party alliance with the Tinubu government, despite his official membership in the opposition PDP.
The Deepening Rift with Rivers State and APC
The prediction comes against the backdrop of the protracted and very public feud between Minister Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State. This conflict is widely regarded as the longest-running political rift of the current administration. The tension escalated further following Wike's public disapproval of an APC convention decision that empowers state governors to lead the party structure in their respective domains.
During a "Thank You" visit to Oyigbo Local Council in Rivers State, the former governor warned political opponents, particularly APC leaders, to steer clear of Rivers politics. In a separate event, Wike framed the battle in existential terms, warning that his political career would be jeopardised if Governor Fubara secures a second term in office. He claimed a decision had already been made regarding Fubara's second-term ambition.
The APC has responded forcefully to Wike's interventions. Party leaders have drawn a clear line, warning that his actions threaten party unity and undermine Governor Fubara. They have reminded the public that since Wike is not a card-carrying member of the APC, he should restrict himself to his official duties and the affairs of the troubled PDP, where he formally belongs. The party's national secretary, Ajibola Basiru, was specifically cautioned by Wike not to take his support for President Tinubu for granted.
Analysis: A Strategic Asset Turning Liability?
Political observers are now questioning the sustainability of Wike's position. Initially seen as a strategic asset for the APC in weakening the PDP's stronghold in Rivers State and the South-South region, his continued involvement in Rivers' politics is creating internal friction for the ruling party. The scenario some analysts predicted—that Wike would eventually turn on the APC—appears to be unfolding as the party feels compelled to protect its sitting governor in Rivers State.
The core of Na'ibi's prediction hinges on the notion that Wike's utility to the Tinubu administration may have expired. Having played a key role in the political calculations of the 2023 election cycle, his ongoing war with a sitting APC governor is now seen as a destabilising force. This aligns with the APC's recent moves to curb his influence and assert that Rivers State is a "no-go area" for his political interference.
The coming months will be critical for Nyesom Wike's political destiny. Will he be sidelined as predicted, or can he navigate the complex web of alliances to retain relevance in Tinubu's government? The answer will significantly shape the political landscape of both Rivers State and the nation's capital.
